British Citizenship

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by Lord West of Spithead on 25 April (WA 324) concerning the cost of registration for naturalisation as a British citizen, in what circumstances the registration cost varies.

Lord West of Spithead: The set fee is payable by all applicants for naturalisation and does not vary in any circumstances.

British Coal: Compensation

Lord Lofthouse of Pontefract: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether the British Coal respiratory disease litigation heard by Mr Justice Turner was funded solely by the Legal Aid Board and the National Association of Colliery Overmen, Deputies and Shotfirers, South Wales; and, if so, what is their assessment of statements relayed to retired miners, their widows and families by Raleys Solicitors and Thompsons Solicitors and on behalf of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), Durham area, that the High Court action had been funded and supported by the NUM for the benefit of its members, and that claimants should make payments out of their compensation to the NUM.

Lord Bach: The Government do not have full details of the claimants' funding of the trial. However, one of the lead cases was represented by Thompsons solicitors in the north-east of England.
	I understand that Durham NUM, now Durham Miners Association, has agreed to refund fees paid to it in relation to coal health compensation claims on request.

British Coal: Compensation

Lord Lofthouse of Pontefract: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they are taking any action to limit the earnings of solicitors in the British Coal litigation; and if so, what is their assessment of the personal earnings of such solicitors, including Jim Beresford and Andrew Nulty.

Lord Bach: Solicitors' earnings are outside of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform's remit. Under the schemes solicitors are paid for their work on an agreed tariff. The number of claims each solicitor handles is outside the Government's control as each claimant chooses their representative. The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform negotiated the tariff for the work required to progress claims based on the anticipated volume of claims at the time and the processes involved in handling the claims. The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform continues to challenge fees perceived as unreasonable and has achieved actual savings of around £100 million as a result.
	The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform and the Ministry of Justice are providing support to the Legal Complaints Service (LCS) and the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA), which are able to investigate solicitors' conduct.

Buses

Lord Bradshaw: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will publish new guidance to local authorities about the reasons for 33 appeals by bus operatives about the concessionary bus fares scheme in 2007—08 being upheld.

Lord Bassam of Brighton: Appeals to the Secretary of State for Transport about concessionary fares schemes are considered on a case-by-case basis taking account of local circumstances and the information provided. The Department for Transport does not publish the reasons for individual decisions as this would not be appropriate. These are communicated to the interested parties and it is a matter for them as to how the decisions should be publicised.
	The department looks to reflect experience gained from previous rounds of appeals in the guidance provided on reimbursement. The latest guidance was published in January 2008 and this is due to be updated to reflect more recent evidence and experience. The department also intends to issue summary information on the more generic points from the 2007-08 appeal round in the form of a "lessons learned" document. This will be made available to the department's Concessionary Fares Working Group, which has representatives from all tiers of local authorities as well as the bus industry.

Development: Rights and Accountability

Lord Avebury: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What response has been received from Anglo American plc to the statement by the United Kingdom National Contact Point for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines for multinational enterprises on the submission made by Lord Avebury on behalf of Rights and Accountability in Development on 21 February 2002.

Lord Bach: Both Anglo American and RAID (Rights and Accountability in Development) commented on the draft final statement before publication and their comments were taken into account. No further comments have been received from Anglo American plc since the statement was published.

Energy: Fossil Fuel Prices

Lord Berkeley: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by Lord Bach on 4 June (WA 55—56) about fossil fuel price assumptions, what recommendation the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform makes to other government departments as to which scenario, from "low" to "high-high", should be used in their analytical work.

Lord Bach: The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform uses assumptions for fossil fuel prices in its CO2 emissions projections modelling and other analytical work. The assumptions are presented in the form of four illustrative scenarios for different levels of energy prices (low, central, high and high-high scenarios). These illustrative scenarios are meant to capture the uncertainty around the outturn of future fossil fuel prices and are in line with other industry analysts' projections. It is understandable that those analysts who project or forecast prices to hit $200/bbl or more get more publicity than those who project a reduction in prices; however, there is no consensus about the likely future path of oil prices among industry experts.
	Therefore, our approach is to use a wide range, which includes a scenario of continued high oil prices at $150/bbl.
	The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform does not recommend the use of any particular scenario, but recommends all policies are tested against all of these scenarios.

Energy: Fossil Fuel Prices

Lord Berkeley: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by Lord Bach on 4 June (WA 55—56) about fossil fuel price assumptions, whether the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform intends to review its assumptions in the light of the current price of oil exceeding the "high-high" scenario for 2007 and 2010.

Lord Bach: The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform uses assumptions for fossil fuel prices in its CO2 emissions projections modelling and other analytical work. These assumptions are meant to capture not short-term volatility in oil prices but long-term fundamentals (demand and supply constraints in oil markets), and are in line with other industry analysts' projections.
	There is no consensus about the likely future path of oil prices among industry experts. Therefore, our approach is to use a wide range, which includes the scenario of continued high oil prices at $150/bbl, to test the robustness of our policies against these prices.
	In the long term, oil prices will be determined by the costs of marginal production and the cost of alternative sources of transport energy; various analysts put these costs in the range of $50 to $90/bbl of oil.
	It is true that with current high prices, these price assumptions will need to be kept under review. We have proposed biannual reviews during periods of high volatility.

Energy: Meters

Lord Berkeley: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether the statement in the 2007 energy White Paper that "From as soon as possible in 2008 to March 2010, any household requesting a real-time display device for their electricity meter should be given one free of charge by their electricity supplier" still reflects their policy; and, if so, how consumers can obtain such devices.

Lord Bach: In August 2007 the Government consulted on the proposal on real-time displays set out in the 2007 energy White Paper. The Government response to the consultation was published in April 2008 and this stated that a voluntary agreement with energy suppliers on the distribution of real-time display devices would be sought; we are currently in the process of negotiating this agreement.

European Court of Human Rights: Judges

Lord Lester of Herne Hill: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What are the salary, pension and healthcare provision for the judges of the European Court of Human Rights.

Lord Malloch-Brown: The conditions of service of judges of the European Court of Human Rights are set out in Committee of Ministers Resolution 2004(50) on the status and conditions of service of judges of the European Court of Human Rights. The resolution refers to the payment of an all-inclusive annual salary to judges in equal monthly instalments in advance. The annual remuneration is adjusted in accordance with any adjustments made to salaries of Council of Europe staff of Grade A7 based in France. Additional remuneration is paid on a pro-rata basis to the president of the court, the vice-presidents and the presidents of sections. Judges are required to arrange for insurance cover in respect of healthcare and for their pension at their own expense.

European Court of Human Rights: Judges

Lord Lester of Herne Hill: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether judges of the European Court of Human Rights are provided with legal secretaries to conduct research.

Lord Malloch-Brown: Article 25 of the European Convention of Human Rights provides that: "The court shall have a registry, the functions and organisation of which shall be laid down in the rules of court. The court shall be assisted by legal secretaries". The role of the registry is to provide legal and administrative support to the court in the exercise of its judicial functions. According to the court's website there are currently about 600 staff members of the registry, 235 of whom are lawyers. The registry's lawyers are divided into 31 case-processing divisions. They prepare files and analytical notes for the judges and correspond with the parties on procedural matters, but are not assigned as legal secretaries to individual judges.

European Court of Human Rights: Judges

Lord Lester of Herne Hill: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will request the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe to make provision, in accordance with the Parliamentary Assembly's opinion number 248(2004), for a new, separate pension budget for judges of the European Court of Human Rights so as to enhance judicial independence.

Lord Malloch-Brown: The Committee of Ministers took into account the Parliamentary Assembly's opinion 248 (2004) when preparing the 2005 budget. There should be direct dialogue between the European Court of Human Rights and the Secretary-General on options for a social protection scheme for judges in the course of setting the Council of Europe budget for 2009. The Committee of Ministers will need to approve any new expenditure.

Freedom of Information

Lord Hanningfield: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What is the estimated cost, including civil servants' time, of answering freedom of information requests from the Taxpayers' Alliance to the Department for Transport.

Lord Bassam of Brighton: The Department for Transport does not hold information on estimated costs of responding to individual requests. Complying with the Freedom of Information Act does not require compilation of such estimates.

Freedom of Information

Lord Hanningfield: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What is the estimated cost incurred by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in answering freedom of information requests from the Taxpayers' Alliance pressure group, including civil servants' time.

Lord Rooker: My department does not hold information on estimated costs of responding to individual requests. Complying with the Freedom of Information Act does not require compilation of such estimates.

Immigration: Homelessness

Lord Roberts of Llandudno: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What is their estimate of the number of Eastern European migrants who are homeless in the United Kingdom.

Baroness Andrews: Housing and homelessness are devolved matters and this department therefore holds statistics for England only.
	English local authorities that conduct rough-sleeper counts collect information on any individuals sleeping rough who do not have recourse to public funds. These will include nationals of the Eastern European states that acceded to the European Union in 2004 and 2007.
	The following local authorities reported Eastern European rough sleepers as part of their street count in 2007:
	
		
			 Local authority Reported number of rough sleepers of which, Eastern Europeans 
			 Westminster 112 20 
			 City of London 45 5 
			 Lambeth 15 3 
			 Redbridge 5 2 
			 Reading 15 8 
			 Peterborough 13 2 
		
	
	A national (England) estimate of the total number of rough sleepers in England is published every September based on the results of local authority street counts in those areas where a known, or suspected, rough-sleeping problem has been identified. The 2007 estimate showed a total of 498 rough sleepers.
	In addition, information about English local authorities' actions under the homelessness legislation is collected quarterly at local authority level and includes the number of households accepted by local housing authorities as eligible for assistance, unintentionally homeless and in priority need, and therefore owed a main homelessness duty.
	Information about decisions taken under the homelessness legislation in respect of Eastern Europeans is published quarterly, on CLG's housing statistics website.
	Data for 2007 show that 440 Eastern European applicants were accepted as being owed a main homelessness duty, comprising 0.7 per cent of the total acceptances over the same period.

Immigration: Information

Lord Roberts of Llandudno: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	At which ports of entry into the United Kingdom there are information centres for those arriving to work in the United Kingdom.

Lord West of Spithead: Information on routes under which overseas workers may enter the United Kingdom to work is not made available at ports of entry into the country. Migrants are encouraged to obtain information before they travel here. Information, guidance and application forms on all routes are available on the UK Border Agency website at: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk.

Maldives: Elections

Lord Avebury: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they plan to send observers to the elections in the Maldives in October.

Lord Malloch-Brown: Yes, we plan to send observers to monitor the presidential elections in the Maldives in October.

Offensive Weapons

Lord Roberts of Llandudno: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many breaches of knife and firearms regulations took place between 2000 and 2006 in each police authority district in the United Kingdom.

Lord West of Spithead: Prosecution and conviction data for those proceeded against for knives and firearms related offences from 2000-06 are attached in the following tables. There is also attached an annexe of offences which has been added for guidance.
	
		
			 Number of defendants proceeded against at magistrates' courts and found guilty at all courts for selected knife offences, England and Wales, 2000 to 2006 (1)(2)(3) 
			  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  
			 Force Proceeded against Found guilty Proceeded against Found guilty Proceeded against Found guilty Proceeded against Found guilty Proceeded against Found guilty Proceeded against Found guilty Proceeded against Found guilty 
			 Avon and Somerset 229 164 288 168 365 229 393 274 331 244 304 232 385 282 
			 Bedfordshire 95 69 80 64 125 74 162 103 205 111 216 142 154 126 
			 Cambridgeshire 67 47 109 76 127 92 99 81 134 101 156 113 144 105 
			 Cheshire 169 113 149 96 173 121 154 114 169 126 209 174 203 167 
			 City of London 23 10 29 15 43 32 46 29 46 28 38 27 28 16 
			 Cleveland 105 83 150 92 208 140 242 143 221 161 176 140 206 169 
			 Cumbria 88 58 92 56 96 65 102 73 102 79 118 89 115 80 
			 Derbyshire 141 89 189 125 204 130 243 155 272 177 205 162 202 152 
			 Devon and Cornwall 220 140 227 158 313 197 333 246 303 213 293 227 258 215 
			 Dorset 100 63 110 63 136 79 125 86 139 99 156 121 146 106 
			 Durham 165 121 177 135 184 146 161 129 188 137 213 165 208 173 
			 Essex 261 180 360 227 310 204 354 229 450 342 460 297 395 306 
			 Gloucestershire 73 47 84 60 93 69 101 64 101 78 119 93 104 80 
			 Greater Manchester 643 484 781 599 800 610 820 643 910 736 804 677 838 712 
			 Hampshire 304 226 355 260 357 259 420 320 467 348 395 325 424 339 
			 Hertfordshire 145 95 152 85 158 108 253 155 265 170 324 194 233 158 
			 Humberside 180 127 169 111 209 146 241 177 259 212 277 225 279 219 
			 Kent 268 184 257 185 256 165 242 169 192 129 189 146 187 140 
			 Lancashire 300 213 382 275 405 264 432 296 469 340 415 319 433 322 
			 Leicestershire 199 139 235 137 262 180 281 190 303 214 283 204 304 209 
			 Lincolnshire 118 77 151 110 149 102 168 117 186 128 146 109 156 114 
			 Merseyside 377 249 430 281 476 349 501 358 519 405 531 419 566 466 
			 Metropolitan Police 3,113 2,025 4,103 2,654 4,833 3,332 4,267 2,929 4,152 2,977 3,984 2,991 3,920 2,967 
			 Norfolk 98 79 142 95 187 112 183 134 188 134 194 138 178 137 
			 North Yorkshire 102 65 109 71 120 90 130 93 161 124 145 114 134 113 
			 Northamptonshire 72 46 65 33 82 45 84 53 79 49 77 44 52 32 
			 Northumbria 474 333 534 382 617 449 606 412 555 439 559 450 534 436 
			 Nottinghamshire 252 152 280 175 315 191 380 234 349 256 364 265 364 263 
			 South Yorkshire 243 174 322 214 412 265 418 271 373 249 371 297 353 285 
			 Staffordshire -  181 110 236 158 219 164 267 165 232 156 267 196 
			 Suffolk 103 74 102 68 152 102 168 107 161 117 176 132 213 178 
			 Surrey 99 59 107 59 82 50 96 64 99 68 102 68 95 67 
			 Sussex 241 160 263 175 306 215 280 198 254 196 298 229 298 232 
			 Thames Valley 211 127 299 175 366 211 350 179 364 216 439 284 458 309 
			 Warwickshire 51 43 45 34 53 42 63 49 87 68 62 43 86 59 
			 West Mercia 111 68 171 105 138 97 169 124 220 154 227 178 288 224 
			 West Midlands 842 513 1,119 747 1,184 765 1,109 723 1,162 765 908 705 1,054 805 
			 West Yorkshire 348 208 439 255 556 322 524 355 581 451 557 424 513 390 
			 Wiltshire 85 64 110 76 118 85 112 77 120 86 132 102 138 110 
			 Dyfed-Powys 103 60 92 56 107 61 112 68 102 69 102 74 86 54 
			 Gwent 90 54 95 62 108 86 109 67 159 113 139 100 185 131 
			 North Wales 123 95 142 103 172 132 149 115 168 135 172 138 204 173 
			 South Wales 345 229 381 246 432 271 411 267 443 289 396 267 389 299 
			 England & Wales 11,376 7,606 14,057 9,273 16,025 10,842 15,812 10,834 16,275 11,698 15,663 11,799 15,775 12,116 
		
	
	(1) The statistics relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences the principal offence is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe.
	(2) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence. care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used.
	(3) Staffordshire Police Force was only able to submit sample data for persons proceeded against and convicted in the magistrates' courts for the year 2000. Although sufficient to estimate higher orders of data, these data are not robust enough at a detailed level and have been excluded from the table.
	
		
			 Number of defendants proceeded against at magistrates' courts and found guilty at all courts for firearms offences, England and Wales, 2000 to 2006 (1)(2)(3) 
			  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  
			 Force Proceeded against Found guilty Proceeded against Found guilty Proceeded against Found guilty Proceeded against Found guilty Proceeded against Found guilty Proceeded against Found guilty 
			 Avon and Somerset 57 41 97 64 79 43 73 51 77 46 72 55 
			 Bedfordshire 21 11 26 14 38 22 20 17 37 25 31 14 
			 Cambridgeshire 27 22 26 13 29 17 23 23 16 14 25 21 
			 Cheshire 44 38 41 23 43 26 32 20 35 24 44 35 
			 City of London 8 1 1 3 12 5 11 2 8 5 3 1 
			 Cleveland 30 21 24 17 23 16 44 24 40 27 24 21 
			 Cumbria 28 24 35 28 26 18 41 28 35 26 33 23 
			 Derbyshire 74 52 58 38 50 39 49 30 75 62 62 55 
			 Devon and Cornwall 67 36 60 44 49 42 45 43 52 45 66 59 
			 Dorset 43 27 39 21 24 17 28 21 29 24 26 14 
			 Durham 63 41 33 21 31 24 46 29 46 35 61 51 
			 Essex 76 49 69 35 65 40 68 47 67 51 58 42 
			 Gloucestershire 28 22 27 19 39 24 24 17 30 23 27 27 
			 Greater Manchester 263 149 317 176 263 152 196 149 260 193 245 186 
			 Hampshire 80 50 61 42 81 61 84 67 98 62 70 52 
			 Hertfordshire 43 34 29 29 41 20 40 22 49 30 30 25 
			 Humberside 53 32 40 33 49 39 41 34 52 52 35 31 
			 Kent 53 52 66 59 66 54 44 52 58 54 73 70 
			 Lancashire 90 66 80 41 75 44 72 45 82 56 87 72 
			 Leicestershire 92 70 82 52 47 36 70 50 54 39 57 43 
			 Lincolnshire 63 31 36 32 32 22 38 20 50 35 47 26 
			 Merseyside 69 37 74 56 95 64 91 57 135 87 95 72 
			 Metropolitan Police 546 351 696 403 830 496 778 530 620 445 667 496 
			 Norfolk 32 21 29 19 35 28 24 14 42 40 23 30 
			 North Yorkshire 47 39 48 33 14 14 34 19 19 17 39 33 
			 Northamptonshire 23 23 10 12 20 16 14 11 14 22 15 16 
			 Northumbria 161 105 173 138 126 91 159 102 138 99 112 99 
			 Nottinghamshire 90 53 84 38 86 49 76 70 80 48 71 48 
			 South Yorkshire 86 73 92 50 99 71 110 71 111 94 101 92 
			 Staffordshire(3) - - 58 42 62 49 67 46 57 35 59 40 
			 Suffolk 36 26 33 20 38 19 44 35 41 36 44 38 
			 Surrey 31 16 43 21 32 18 38 22 29 24 33 19 
			 Sussex 56 31 59 36 47 24 43 32 57 44 62 46 
			 Thames Valley 65 31 75 40 75 46 64 43 49 46 72 47 
			 Warwickshire 21 14 27 20 16 15 16 10 16 16 11 7 
			 West Mercia 33 26 66 42 48 36 43 31 55 44 55 32 
			 West Midlands 282 152 237 162 286 178 230 169 196 149 154 130 
			 West Yorkshire 152 92 177 83 147 91 129 83 161 142 146 106 
			 Wiltshire 25 16 28 24 25 21 15 14 21 14 24 19 
			 Dyfed-Powys 33 21 25 16 33 21 40 32 35 25 23 13 
			 Gwent 50 28 23 22 30 21 46 30 37 28 26 17 
			 North Wales 37 29 23 17 26 19 31 23 47 30 63 48 
			 South Wales 97 56 114 58 73 35 85 62 77 53 71 50 
			 England & Wales 3,275 2,109 3,441 2,156 3,405 2,183 3,266 2,297 3,287 2,466 3,142 2,421 
		
	
	(1) These data are on the principal offence basis.
	(2) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these date have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collect processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used.
	(3) These data include figures for offences involving any weapon of whatever description designed or adapted for the discharge of any hazardous liquid, gas or other thing as defined in Section 5(1)(b) of the Firearms Act 1968 as amended.
	(4) The number of defendants found guilty in a particular year may exceed those proceeded against as it may be the case that the proceedings in the magistrates' court took place in the preceding year and they were found guilty at the Crown Court in the following year or the defendant was found guilty for a different offence to the original offence proceeded against.
	
		
			 Knife Offences 
			 Prevention of Crime Act 1953 Section 1(1) as amended by Offensive Weapons Act 1996 Section 2(1). Possession of offensive weapons without lawful authority or reasonable excuse. 
			 Criminal Justice Act 1988 Section 139 as amended by Offensive Weapons Act 1996 Section 3. Having an article with blade or point in public place 
			 Criminal Justice Act 1988 Section 139A (1)(5)(a) as added by Offensive Weapons Act 1996 Section 4(1). Having an article with blade or point on school premises. 
			 Criminal Justice Act 1988 Section 139A (2)(5)(b) as added by Offensive Weapons Act 1996 Section 4(1). Possession of offensive weapons without lawful authority or reasonable excuse on school premises 
			 Knives Act 1997 Section 1(1)(2)(3)(4a)(5). Unlawful marketing of knives - selling or hiring. 
			 Knives Act 1997 Section 1(1)(2)(3)(4b)(5). Unlawful marketing of knives - offers or exposes to sell or hire. 
			 Knives Act 1997 Section 1(1)(2)(3)(4c)(5). Unlawful marketing of knives - has in possession for purpose of sale or hire. 
			 Knives Act 1997 Section 2(1)(a). Publication of any written, pictorial or other material in connection with the marketing of any knife - the material suggests or indicates that the knife is suitable for combat. 
			 Knives Act 1997 Section 2(1)(b). Publication of any written, pictorial or other material in connection with the marketing of any knife - the material is otherwise likely to stimulate or encourage violent behaviour involving use of the knife as a weapon. 
			 Criminal Justice Act 1988 Section 141. Restriction of Offensive Weapons Act 1959 (Section 1). Manufacture, importation and sale of certain offensive weapons. Relating to offences in connection with dangerous weapons. 
			 Criminal Justice Act 1988 Section 141A (1) as added by Offensive Weapons Act 1996 Section 6(1). Any person who sells to a person under the age of 16 a knife, knife blade, razor blade, axe and any other article that has a blade, that is sharply pointed and which is made or adapted for use for causing injury to the person. 
		
	
	
		
			 Firearms Offences 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 16 (Group I) as amended by the Criminal Justice Act 1972 Section 28(2). Possession of firearm with intent to endanger life. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 16 (Group II) as amended by the Criminal Justice Act 1972 Section 28 (2). Possession of firearm with intent to endanger life. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 16 (Group III) as amended by the Criminal Justice Act 1972 Section 28 (2). Possession of firearm with intent to endanger life. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 17(1) (Group I) as amended by the Criminal Justice Act 1972 Section 28 (2). Using firearms or imitation firearms to resist arrest. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 17(1) (Group II) as amended by the Criminal Justice Act 1972 Section 28 (2). Using firearms or imitation firearms to resist arrest. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 17(1) (Group III) as amended by the Criminal Justice Act 1972 Section 28 (2). Using firearms or imitation firearms to resist arrest. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 17(2) (Group I) as amended by the Criminal Justice Act 1972 Section 28(3). Possessing firearms or imitation firearm at time of committing or being arrested for an offence specified in Schedule 1 of the Act. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 17(2) (Group II) as amended by the Criminal Justice Act 1972 Section 28(3). Possessing firearm or imitation firearm at time of committing or being arrested for an offence specified in Schedule 1 of the Act. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 17(2) (Group III) as amended by the Criminal Justice Act 1972 Section 28(3). Possessing firearm or imitation firearm at time of committing or being arrested for an offence specified in Schedule 1 of the Act. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 18(1) (Group I) as amended by the Criminal Justice Act 1972 Section 28(3). Possessing firearm or imitation firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence or resist arrest. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 18(1) (Group II) as amended by the Criminal Justice Act 1972 Section 28(3). Possessing firearm or imitation firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence or resist arrest. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 18(1) (Group III) as amended by the Criminal Justice Act 1972 Section 28(3). Possessing firearm or imitation firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence or resist arrest. 
			 Firearms Act 1968 Section 16A (as amended by Firearms (Amendment) Act 1994) (Group I) Possession of a firearm or imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. 
			 Firearms Act 1968 Section 16A (as amended by Firearms (Amendment) Act 1994) (Group II) . Possession of a firearm or imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. 
			 Firearms Act 1968 Section 16A (as amended by Firearms (Amendment) Act 1994) (Group III) . Possession of a firearm or imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. 
			 Firearms Act 1968 Section 1(2) as amended by Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 Section12 & Schedule 2(13). Non-compliance with condition of firearm certificate - aggravated form (small-calibre pistols). 
			 Firearms Act 1968 (Group I) Section 1(1),as amended by Criminal Justice & Public Order Act 1994, Section 157, Schedule 8 Part III. Possessing etc firearm or ammunition without firearm certificate. 
			 Firearms Act 1968, Section 2(1) (Group II) as amended by Criminal Justice & Public Order Act 1994, Section 157 Schedule 8 Part III. Possessing etc shotgun without certificate. 
			 Firearms Act 1968 Section 3(1) (Group I) as amended by Criminal Justice & Public Order Act 1994, Section 157 Schedule 8 Part III. Trading in firearms without being registered. 
			 Firearms Act 1968, Section 3(1) (Group II) as amended by Criminal Justice & Public Order Act 1994, Section 157 Schedule 8 Part III. Trading in firearms without being registered. 
			 Firearms Act 1968, Section 3(2) (Group I) as amended by Criminal Justice & Public Order Act 1994, Section 157 Schedule 8 Part III. Selling firearm(s) to person without certificate. 
			 Firearms Act 1968, Section 3(2) (Group II) as amended by Criminal Justice & Public Order Act 1994, Section 157 Schedule 8 Part III. Selling firearm(s) to person without certificate. 
			 Firearms Act 1968, Section 3(3) (Group I) as amended by Criminal Justice & Public Order Act 1994, Section 157 Schedule 8 Part III. Repairing, testing etc firearm without certificate. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 3(3) (Group II) as amended by Criminal Justice & Public Order Act 1994, Section 157 Schedule 8 Part III. Repairing, testing etc firearm without certificate. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 3(5) (Group I) as amended by Criminal Justice & Public Order Act 1994, Section 157 Schedule 8 Part III. Falsifying certificate etc with a view to acquiring firearm. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 3(5) (Group II) as amended by Criminal Justice & Public Order Act 1994, Section 157 Schedule 8 Part III. Falsifying certificate etc with a view to acquiring firearm. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 4(1) as amended by Criminal Justice & Public Order Act 1994, Section 157 Schedule 8 Part III. Shortening shotgun or other smooth bore gun. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 4(3) as amended by Criminal Justice & Public Order Act 1994, Section 157 Schedule 8 Part III. Conversion of firearms. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 5(1) (Group I) as amended by Criminal Justice Act 2003 Section 288 Possessing or distributing prohibited weapons or ammunition. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 19 (Group I) as amended by the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 Section 37 (1)(a)&(c)&(2) Carrying loaded firearm in public place etc. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 19 (Group II) as amended by the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 Section 37 (1)(a)&(c)&(2) Carrying loaded firearm in public place etc. 
			 Firearms Act 1968 Section 19A as added by Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 Section 11. Having small-calibre pistol outside premises of licensed pistol club. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 20(1) (Group I) as amended by Criminal Justice & Public Order Act 1994, Section 157 Schedule 8 Part III. Trespassing with firearm or imitation firearm in a building. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 20(1) (Group II) as amended by Criminal Justice & Public Order Act 1994, Section 157 Schedule 8 Part III. Trespassing with firearm or imitation firearm in a building. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 21(4) (Group I) as amended by Criminal Justice & Public Order Act 1994, Section 157 Schedule 8 Part III. Possession of firearms by persons previously convicted of crime. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 21(4) (Group II) as amended by Criminal Justice & Public Order Act 1994, Section 157 Schedule 8 Part III. Possession of firearms by persons previously convicted of crime. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 21(4) (Group III) as amended by Criminal Justice & Public Order Act 1994, Section 157 Schedule 8 Part III. Possession of firearms by persons previously convicted of crime. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 21(5) (Group I) as amended by Criminal Justice & Public Order Act 1994, Section 157 Schedule 8 Part III. Supplying firearms to person denied them under Section 21. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 21(5) (Group II) as amended by Criminal Justice & Public Order Act 1994, Section 157 Schedule 8 Part III. Supplying firearms to person denied them under Section 21. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 21(5) (Group III) as amended by Criminal Justice & Public Order Act 1994, Section 157 Schedule 8 Part III. Supplying firearms to person denied them under Section 21. 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 Section 17(10)(b) as amended by Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 Section 12(1)(3)(5). Holder of visitors permit (small-calibre pistol) failing to comply with conditions in Section 12(1)(3) of Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997. 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 Section 32 & 36(a)(i)(ii). Failure to transfer firearms or ammunition in person. (Group I). 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 Section 33 & 36(a)(i)(ii). Failure to give notice in writing to the chief officer of police of transfers involving firearms. (Group I). 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 Section 34 & 36(a)(i)(ii). Failure by certificate holder to notify in writing chief officer of police of deactivation, destruction or loss of firearms or ammunition. (Group I). 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 Section 35 & 36(a)(i)(ii). Failure by certificate holder to notify in writing chief officer of police of events taking place outside Great Britain involving firearms and ammunition (sold or otherwise disposed of, lost etc.)(Group I). 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 Section 32(2) & 36(a)(I)(ii) (Group I). Failing to comply with instruction in firearm certificate upon transfer to person other than registered dealer. 
			 Firearms Act 1968 Section 5(1A)(a) (Group I) as amended by Criminal Justice Act 2003 Section 288 Possessing or distributing firearm disguised as other object 
			 Firearms Act 1968 Section 5(1A) (b),(c),(d)(e),(f) or (g) as amended by Criminal Justice Act 2003 Section 288 Possessing or distributing other prohibited weapons 
			 Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 Section 50(1)(2)(3)(4)(5A); Offence in relation to the unlawful importation of any weapon or ammunition of a kind mentioned in Section 5(1) (a),(ab),(aba), (ac),(ad),(ae) (af),or (c) of Firearms Act 1968 
			 Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 Section 68(2)(3)(4A) Offence in relation to the unlawful exportation of any weapon or ammunition of a kind mentioned in Section 5(1) (a),(ab),(aba), (ac),(ad),(ae) (af),or (c) of Firearms Act 1968 
			 Firearms Act 1968 Section 1(2) as amended by Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 Section 12 & Schedule 2(13) (Group l). Non-compliance with condition of firearm certificate - (not aggravated form). 
			 Firearms Act 1968 Section 2(2) (Group II). Non-compliance with condition of shotgun certificate. 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 Section 13(5)(a). Non-compliance with condition of permit to have small-calibre pistols outside licensed clubs. 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 Section 13(5)(b). Making false statement etc. for purpose of procuring (whether for himself or another) the grant of a permit to have small-calibre pistol outside licensed club. 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 Section 20(4). No pistol club to operate without a licence if small-calibre pistol is stored or used in contravention of Section 20(1)(2) club management held responsible. 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 Section 23. Failure to comply with conditions of licence. 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 Section 26(2)(3)(9). Non-compliance with notice of revocation of club licence. 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 Section 28(4)(a). Failure to comply with requirements to keep registers at licensed pistol clubs. 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 Section 28(4)(b). Knowingly or recklessly to make any entry in the pistol register which is false in any material particular. 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 Section 29(2). Breach of regulations made under Section 29(1)(a)(b)(c). 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 Section 30(3)(4). Obstruction of constable or civilian officer entering or inspecting licensed premises. 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 Section 31. Making false statement for purpose of procuring grant, renewal or variation of a licence or release of small-calibre pistol from police custody. 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 Schedule 1 paragraph 7. Making false statement for purpose of procuring the release of small-calibre pistol from police custody (other than under Section 26). 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 5(5) (Group I). Failure of an individual to comply with any condition of an authority vested in him. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 5(6) (Group I). Non-compliance to surrender an authority. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 6(3) (Group I). Restricting removal of firearms. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 7(2) (Group I). False statement to obtain permit. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 7(2) (Group II). False statement to obtain permit. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 13(2) (Group I). False statement to obtain permit for removal of signalling apparatus. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 19 (Group III). Carrying loaded firearm in public place etc. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 20(1) (Group III). Trespassing with firearm in a building. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 20(2) (Group I). Trespassing with firearm on land. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 20(2) (Group II). Trespassing with firearm on land. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 20(2) (Group III). Trespassing with firearm on land. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 22(1) (Group I). Person under 17 purchasing or hiring firearm or ammunition. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 22(1) (Group II). Person under 17 purchasing or hiring firearm or ammunition. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 22(1) (Group III). Person under 17 purchasing or hiring firearm or ammunition. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 22(2) (Group I). Person under 14 having firearm or ammunition in his possession. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 22(3) (Group II). Person under 15 having with him a shotgun without adult supervision. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 22(4) (Group III). Person under 14 having with him an air weapon or ammunition. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 22(5) (Group III). Person under 17 having with him an air weapon in a public place. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 23(1) (Group III). Person under 14 making improper use of air weapon when under supervision. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 23(1) (Group III). Person supervising permitting improper use of air weapon by person under 14. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 24(1) (Group I). Selling or letting on hire a firearm or ammunition to person under 17. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 24(1) (Group II). Selling or letting on hire a firearm or ammunition to person under 17. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 24(1) (Group III). Selling or letting on hire a firearm or ammunition to person under 17. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 24(2) (Group I). Making a gift or lending any firearm or ammunition to person under 14. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 24(3) (Group II). Making gift of shotgun to person under 15. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 24(4) (Group III). Supplying air weapon to person under 14. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 25 (Group I). Supplying firearm to person drunk or insane. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 25 (Group II). Supplying firearm to person drunk or insane. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 25 (Group III). Supplying firearm to person drunk or insane. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 26(5) (Group I). Making false statement to obtain grant or renewal of firearm certificate. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 26(5) (Group II). Making false statement to obtain grant or renewal of shotgun certificate. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 29(3) (Group I). False statement to procure variation of a firearm certificate. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 30(4) as amended by the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 Section 2, (Group I). Failing to surrender firearm certificate, firearm or ammunition on revocation of certificate. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 30(4) as amended by the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 Section 12, (Group II). Failing to surrender shotgun certificate, shotgun or ammunition on revocation of certificate. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 38(8). Fail to surrender certificate on removal of dealer's name from register false statement to secure registration of a place of business. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 39(1). False statement to secure registration of a place of business. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 39(2). Registered dealer having place of business not entered in register. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 39(3). Non-compliance with condition of registration. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 40(5). Non-compliance by dealer as to register of transactions—false entry. 
			 Firearms Act 1968 Section 46 as added by Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 Section 43. Obstructing constable or civilian in exercise of search powers. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 47(2) (Group I). Fail to surrender firearm or ammunition on demand by constable. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 47(2) (Group II). Fail to surrender firearm or ammunition on demand by constable. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 47(2) (Group III). Fail to hand over firearm or ammunition on demand by constable. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 48(3) (Group I). Failure to comply with requirements of a constable to declare name and address. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 48(3) (Group II). Failure to comply with requirements of a constable to declare name and address. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 49 (Group I). Failure to give constable facilities for examination of firearms in transit. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 52(2) (c) (Group I). Failure to surrender firearm certificate. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 52(2) (c) (Group II). Failure to surrender shotgun certificate. 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 Section 4 (Group II). Transfers of shotguns. 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 Section 5 (Group II). Restriction on sale of ammunition for smooth-bore guns. 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 Section 14 (Group I). Auctioneer, carrier or warehouseman failing to keep firearms and ammunition safe or failing to report loss or theft. 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 Section 14 (Group II). Auctioneer, carrier or warehouseman failing to keep firearms and ammunition safe or failing to report loss or theft. 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 Section 17 (Group I). Making false statement to obtain a visitor's permit. 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 Section 17 (Group I). Failing to comply with conditions on a visitor's permit. 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 Section 17 (Group II). Making false statement to obtain a visitor's permit. 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 Section 17 (Group II). Failing to comply with conditions on a visitor's permit. 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 Section 18 (Group I). Firearms dealer failing to inform police of sale of firearms for export. 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 Section 18 (Group II). Firearms dealer failing to inform police of sale of firearms for export. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968, Section 42A (Group II). Failing to report a transaction authorised by a visitor's shotgun permit. 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 Section 15. Obstructing a constable entering or inspecting an approved rifle/ pistol club. 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 Section 19. Making a false statement to obtain, or not complying with, museum licence (Schedule 4(1)). Failing to surrender a revoked museum licence (Schedule 4(3)). 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 9(3) as amended by the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 Section 23 (Group I). False statement to obtain permit to auction firearms etc. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 9(3) as amended by the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 Section 23 (Group II). False statement to obtain permit to auction firearms etc. 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 Section 32 & 36(b). Failure to transfer shotgun in person. (Group II). 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 Section 33 & 36(b). Failure to give notice in writing to the chief officer of police of transfers involving shotguns. (Group II). 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 Section 34 & 36(b). Failure by certificate holder to notify in writing Chief Officer of Police of deactivation, destruction or loss of shotgun. (Group II). 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 Section 35 & 36(b). Failure by certificate holder to notify in writing Chief Officer of Police of events taking place outside Great Britain involving shotguns (sold or otherwise disposed of, lost etc.)(Group II). 
			 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 Section 32(2) & 36(a) Failing to comply with instruction in shotgun certificate upon transfer to person other than registered dealer. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 3(6) (Group I). Taking firearms or ammunition in pawn. 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Section 3(6) (Group II). Pawnbroker taking shotgun in pawn.

Parades: Northern Ireland

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What were the arrangements to pay the national insurance and income tax of the former chairman of the Northern Ireland Parades Commission, Sir Alistair Graham; and whether his earnings were declared to the HM Revenue and Customs.

Lord Rooker: Sir Alistair Graham as chairman of the Northern Ireland Parades Commission was on secondment from Leeds Training and Enterprise Council. All remuneration in respect of his appointment to the Parades Commission was paid directly to his employers. Matters relating to tax and national insurance were therefore the responsibility of Leeds Training and Enterprise Council.

Parades: Northern Ireland

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How and by whom appointments to the Northern Ireland Parades Commission are made; and what qualifications are required of those making the appointments.

Lord Rooker: In accordance with Schedule 1 paragraph 2(1) the chairman and members of the Parades Commission are appointed by the Secretary of State. The appointment process is regulated by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

Questions for Written Answer

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 11 June (WA 106) under what circumstances Ministers decide to answer Questions indirectly in the Official Report; who takes that decision; and when the practice started.

Lord Rooker: I refer the noble Lord to my earlier reply in the Official Report, 11 June, col. WA 106.
	Ministers take full responsibility for answering Questions that appear in the Official Report.

Questions for Written Answer: Late Answers

Lord Tebbit: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by Lord West of Spithead on 19 May (WA 172), how many man hours have been expended to validate the data from locally held management information in order to answer the Written Question tabled by Baroness Valentine on 24 January.

Lord West of Spithead: The number of man hours expended to Answer the Written Question tabled on 24 January by Baroness Valentine was not recorded and is therefore not available.

Questions for Written Answer: Late Answers

Lord Jopling: asked the Leader of the House:
	What is the longest time Her Majesty's Government have taken to reply to a Question for Written Answer during the present Parliament.

Baroness Ashton of Upholland: A search of the records indicates that the longest time taken to reply to a Lords Question for Written Answer during the present Parliament is 22 weeks and two days. This was in response to two Questions tabled by Lord Lester of Herne Hill on Monday 5 June 2006 (HL 6054 and 6055), which were answered on Wednesday 8 November 2006.

Questions for Written Answer: Late Answers

Baroness Valentine: asked the Leader of the House:
	Why the Government have not answered the Question for Written Answer tabled by Baroness Valentine on 24 January (HL1619); and when the Question will receive an Answer.

Baroness Ashton of Upholland: An Answer was given on 16 June 2008 (Official Report, col. WA122).

Remuneration Committees

Lord Dykes: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will examine ways of providing remuneration committees advising board directors on remuneration packages with legal powers of restraint in emergency circumstances.

Baroness Vadera: The Government have no such plans.
	Directors' remuneration is a matter for companies, their shareholders and remuneration committees. The Financial Reporting Council's combined code on corporate governance states that remuneration committees should, within legal constraints, avoid rewarding poor performance and tailor their approach accordingly in individual early termination cases. The Government support this.
	In addition, under the Directors' Remuneration Report Regulations 2002, companies have to justify compensation packages and explain their policy on compensation in cases of early termination.

Sudan: Oil Revenues

Baroness Tonge: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How they are working with international guarantors to the comprehensive peace agreement in Sudan to ensure free and fair national elections in 2009.

Lord Malloch-Brown: The UK, along with the other international guarantors to the comprehensive peace agreement (CPA), supports the work of the Assessment and Evaluation Commission (AEC) which is mandated to monitor the implementation of the CPA, including elections in 2009. Together with the AEC, we are pressing both the Government of Sudan and the Government of Southern Sudan for rapid passage of the electoral law and appointment of the National Election Commission to keep CPA implementation on track.

Sudan: War Crimes

Lord Alton of Liverpool: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What assistance they are giving to the prosecutor, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, regarding Ahmad Harun, Sudan's Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, and Ali Kushayb, a Janjaweed commander, following the issuing of arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court against them on charges of war crimes.

Lord Malloch-Brown: The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) is carrying out an independent investigation into Harun and Kushayb. It would not be appropriate to comment on this ongoing investigation or to give details of any assistance that the UK may have provided. However, as a strong supporter of the ICC, the UK is ready to respond to any request for assistance from the prosecutor relating to this investigation.

UN: De-listing

Lord Avebury: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What is their response to the de-listing request concerning Mrs Agnes Reeves-Taylor, submitted under the United Nations Focal Point for De-listing (Resolution 1730 (2006)).

Lord Malloch-Brown: The Sanctions Committee will consider shortly Mrs Agnes Reeves-Taylor's request for de-listing at the UN, although no specific date has yet been set for this meeting. Based on the information we currently possess, we do not intend to object to Mrs Reeves-Taylor's request. However, you should be aware that if another member state does object she will remain on the list.

Vehicles: Speed Limits

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by Lord Bassam of Brighton on 3 June (WA 50) concerning speed limits on road vehicles, whether the Answer took account of environmental issues and the contribution of speeding to road deaths.

Lord Bassam of Brighton: Vehicle construction standards are set Europe-wide. Speed limiters for heavy trucks and large passenger vehicles were introduced throughout the EU because their accident involvement on most high-speed roads is greater than that for cars, and the consequences of such accidents tend to be severe.
	Restricting car and light van top speeds would not address inappropriate speed on other roads—for example, in 30 mph areas—where the accident rate is higher than that of motorways. This is tackled through road-safety publicity, emphasising the role of speed and how accidents occurring at higher speeds are more likely to kill. Enforcement measures such as safety cameras and road engineering measures such as traffic calming also play a key part.
	Analysis for the climate change programme review included estimates relating to fuel savings and CO2 reduction if all traffic always observed the 70 mph limit on motorways and dual carriageways.